The Best Dehumidifier – Top Rated Overall

There are 100’s of different dehumidifiers available on the market today. Through our extensive research we have found a variety of quality ranging from some great dehumidifiers that could solve any humidity problem around to dehumidifiers that break down after a few months use.
When we started looking for the best overall rated dehumidifier currently available we had to take the following questions into consideration: How effective is the dehumidifier? How much humidity can it remove? How energy efficient is it? How long will it last? How loud is it? Can it operate anywhere? How easy is it to use and install? Is it priced competitively?

Below you'll find our rankings of the best dehumidifiers currently on the market in 2015. At the bottom of the page you can find our old rankings from 2012.

Updated 2015 Rankings

Best Overall Dehumidifier - Keystone KSTAD70B

After our extensive research looking for the best overall dehumidifier we found a clear winner, the Keystone KSTAD70B. This fantastic dehumidifier was found to be superior to all other units according to the criteria outlined above; the dehumidifier can cover large areas while removing up to 70 pints of humidity per day.

Excellent performance, affordable, simple to use, energy efficient, and packed full of features, the Keystone Energy Star KTAD70B has it all. It comes with full water tank alert, has auto shut off, and can be hooked up for continuous drain. It is inexpensive to run being Energy Star efficient and filterless, and has a LED display for easy programming. It also has sturdy castors that makes moving it virtually effortless. It retails for about $190.

Runner Up - Frigidaire FAD704DWD

The Frigidaire FAD704DWD removes bacteria, moisture and odors from the air, and helps to stop the growth of mold and mildew and keeps the air in the house healthy. It is powerful enough to remove up 70 pints of moisture daily, and has 1400 square foot room coverage. It is Energy Star Efficient and has a washable reusable filter. This excellent humidifier offers effortless humidity control, has a 16.3 pint water tank, carrying handles, continuous drain, and two fan speeds. It also features an easy to remove water bucket and filter tray.

By Functionality

Top Ten Things To Look For When Buying A Dehumidifier

Buying a dehumidifier is a serious purchase and it is important to research the different brands, models, sizes and types to ensure you get one that suits your needs best. Here are the most important things to consider when deciding which dehumidifier to buy.

1. Type

There are two types of dehumidifiers: desiccant and mechanical (note that mechanical dehumidifiers are similar to AC units in that they have a compressor, condenser, etc.). There are far more mechanical dehumidifiers than there are desiccant dehumidifiers on the market. Desiccant dehumidifiers are generally less expensive than mechanical dehumidifiers, and are generally a little quieter than mechanical dehumidifiers. However, they are not as powerful as mechanical dehumidifiers, and are best for low temperature areas with light humidity problems. Being more powerful, mechanical dehumidifiers are better for medium to high humidity levels, and work well in any temperature.

2. Capacity

Dehumidifiers are rated by how many pints of moisture they are able to remove from the air each day. Average portable home dehumidifiers range from being able to remove from 30-70 pints of moisture daily. There are a couple of extra large portable home dehumidifiers that are powerful enough to remove 95 pints of water daily. When considering which size of dehumidifier is best for you, you should consider two things: size of room and humidity levels. The larger the room the bigger the unit needed. The higher the moisture level the bigger the unit needed. It is better to buy too big of a unit than too small; too small of a unit will end up working constantly, using more power, requiring more maintenance, and possibly burning out quicker. A dehumidifier that removes 30 pints of moisture daily is generally good for areas up to 400 square feet. Dehumidifiers that remove 50 pints of moisture daily are generally good for areas up to 800 square feet and 70 pint dehumidifiers are generally good for areas up to about 1500 square feet.

3. Portability

Most home dehumidifiers are portable; however, a few of the more expensive models are made for permanent installation. A portable dehumidify is very convenient as you can move it from room to room as needed. Dehumidifiers, especially the large 70 or 95 pint models can be heavy, especially when full. Look for a model that comes with sturdy caster wheels and handles, preferably both built in side handles and a top handle.

4. Drainage

Most models of dehumidifiers come with a continuous drain option. Continuous drain is when a hose is hooked up to the water tank and it continuously drains in to a sink, down a floor drain, out a window or whereever is convenient. Most dehumidifiers come with a gravity or passive continuous drain. Gravity drainage is great as it doesn't run up the electric bill to use it; however, with a gravity drain, the hose must be positioned downward for it to work correctly. This means the dehumidifier must be above anything the hose is draining into. Pump drainage works better as it employs a pump that pushes the accumulated water in the tank out the drainage hose. A pump allows the hose to be drained into something that is above the dehumidifier like a window or a sink. The downsides of pump drainage include that those units equipped with this functionality generally cost more to buy, more to run, and are often more noisy than a dehumidifier without a pump is. Note that some dehumidifiers that offer continuous drainage come with a drainage hose, some do not.

5. Water Bucket

Most portable home dehumidifiers come with a water tank or bucket; a few do not - they just offer continuous drainage via a hose. Water buckets range in size from about 5 pint capacity to about 20 pint capacity. Generally, if you are going to use the water bucket expect to empty it at least once, if not several times, daily. Look for a water bucket that has handles for easy carrying, and one that has a water level indicator. Also look for a dehumidifier that has auto shut off when the tank reaches capacity. Without this feature you could end up with a horrible mess! Keep in mind the bigger the water bucket in comparison to the daily moisture extraction, the less you will have to empty the bucket. However, the bigger the water bucket the heavier it will be to carry to dump.

6. Air Filter

Almost all dehumidifiers have an air filter that helps to trap dust, bacteria and air particles before they are released back into the air. Most dehumidifiers comes with a washable reusable air filter, but some come with a disposable air filter. A washable air filter saves money and is generally easier to clean; simply take it out, wash with mild soap and water, rinse and pop it back in the unit. Look for a dehumidifier that has an easy to access filter; one with a slide out filter draw is great.

7. Energy Efficiency

Many dehumidifiers are Energy Star Efficient, which means they generally are about 15% more energy efficient than dehumidifiers that are not Energy Star rated. However, note that Energy Star dehumidifiers run constantly (their fan never shuts off); this is so the machine does not constantly restart which is hard on power consumption. This power saving measure (of never completely shutting off) can be bothersome for some consumers.

8. Auto Defrost

Mechanical dehumidifiers use both hot and cold coils to remove the humidity from the air. When used in a cold temperature of 65° F or less, they can ice over if they do not have a anti-frost sensor and auto defrost. For anyone using their dehumidifier in a cooler temperature auto defrost is a must have or a desiccant dehumidifier should be purchased instead of a mechanical one.

9. Programmability

Different dehumidifiers offer different features and different programs. Some have12 hour timers while others have 24 hour timers, some have adjustable humidstats while others do not. Some offer special intuitive programs that do most of the work for you. Look for a dehumidifier that has programs that match your needs. A dehumidifier that has a program that adjust to the conditions in the room is the best, as it offers the most stress free dehumidification.

10. Auto Restart

Many dehumidifiers come with an auto restart feature. Auto restart not only restarts the machine automatically after a power outage, it saves all its setting in its memory, saving you time and headaches as you do not have to reset it. Auto restart is especially important for people who are using their dehumidifier to keep their house dry during severe weather or when they are out of town.

Dehumidifier Brands

Dehumidifiers are a competitive market with a vast array of different brands available. Some brands have a reputation for making top rated dehumidifiers while others are quite questionable. Choosing the right brand can be very important for many reasons. Usually a brand that has a reputation for always making a good product is a safe choice, while some brands that have a reputation for making low quality products will most likely continue to do so. Choosing the right brand has other benefits like the type of customer service you will receive. Brands that have been established for a long time and have a good reputation will be able to take care of your needs much easier. These brands will have great customer service as well easy to access repair stations if the need ever comes.

How dehumidifiers are built will vary a lot from brand to brand. In our survey of dehumidifier reviews it was easy to see how some were inferior to others. Many reviewers noted that some brands use very cheap components to make their dehumidifiers which results in their dehumidifiers constantly breaking down. By the same token higher quality brands may be slightly more expensive, but they make dehumidifiers that will last a long time. These dehumidifiers won’t break down saving you a lot of money and causing you a lot less hassles in the long run. With so much information and the various different brands it’s hard to know which dehumidifiers are well made and which are poorly made. We did a lot of extensive research on each brand on the market and the best dehumidifiers available; click on the logos below to see which dehumidifiers we rated the best according to brand.

Buying A Dehumidifier - What To Look For

Dehumidifiers can be a great asset to any home or office; below we will go into great detail as to how they can be beneficial to you and how they work. Our survey will also cover the various types of dehumidifiers out there, the brands available and give you information on how to choose the right one for your specific situation. A dehumidifier controls humidity to a desired level and keeps it stable throughout the day. Some dehumidifiers also have air filters, which will drastically improve the air quality. Living in an area with high humidity can cause many problems such as mold growth, condensation and make for an uncomfortable living area; a dehumidifier will reduce the levels of humidity and prevent this from happening.

Dehumidifiers are made several different ways; for example, some use a refrigerator coil system while others use a desiccant system. Each has its own benefits. These machines come in various pint sizes, which determines how many pints of humidity per 24 hour the dehumidifier can extract; different units are also made for different locations. Some units are specifically made as whole house solutions while others are made for places like basements. The dehumidifier works by absorbing the humidity in the area and leaking into a reservoir, which you empty when full. The dehumidifier can be set to control humidity to a specific level; most units can control humidity between 30% and 80%.

Many people wonder if they really need a dehumidifier and how it will help them. If there is excess humidity in an area, it‘s not only beneficial to have one but important for your health. Once humidity reaches over 55%-60%, it makes for a breeding ground for things like fungi to grow. Having excess mold in the house, and other bacteria can be very dangerous for your health. With a dehumidifier, you can keep low, stable humidity levels and prevent this from happening. High humidity levels also severely impact people with allergies. The high humid environment promotes growth of all sorts of bacteria and allergens. By controlling humidity in your house you can greatly reduce these problems with clean fresh dehumidified air.

One of the most common reasons for people to buy dehumidifiers is for comfort. Having high humidity in your house can be very uncomfortable and make it feel like it’s even hotter than it actually is. In many of the dehumidifier reviews which we have surveyed it was noted that the reviewers had very poor sleep while having high humidity in their house; with a dehumidifier, they were finally able to get a good night’s sleep.

Choosing a Dehumidifier

With so many dehumidifiers available, choosing the right one can be mind boggling. Here are a few tips to help you find and choose the best dehumidifier for your specific situation. The first thing you will need to know is how big the area you are trying to dehumidify is. Dehumidifiers aren’t all capable of covering the same amount of square feet, even if they have the same pint size. Some dehumidifiers are made to cover a few square feet, like a closet, while others are made as whole house solutions.

Next, you will need to find out how much humidity you have. You can buy a hygrometer, or rent one, to find this out. If you have a little humidity, a small pint size unit may be okay, although usually the bigger pint size, the better. The pint size refers to how many pints of water the dehumidifier can remove from the area per 24 hour period. If you have a high moisture area a small pint dehumidifier won’t be able to keep up, leaving you in the same situation you were before buying the dehumidifier. A large pint size dehumidifier will be capable of removing much larger amounts of humidity per day, in many cases making it the only choice to keep stable humidity levels throughout the day and throughout the space you are trying to dehumidify.

Next, you should consider where you will be placing the dehumidifier. Some dehumidifiers aren’t able to work in certain conditions where others can. For example, a basement is much colder which causes some units to freeze up inside and break down. If you are going to buy a dehumidifier for a basement or other cold location, make sure to buy a unit that’s “low temperature” capable. These types of dehumidifiers are specifically made to work in the cold without breaking down or reducing their efficiency.

Another important thing for you to do is to compare dehumidifiers’ various warranties. Many brands offer long term full warranties while others offer very limited ones. Choosing one with a long warranty can protect you in case the unit breaks down. Unfortunately, many dehumidifiers break down quite easily. When looking for a dehumidifier it’s wise to look at a variety of dehumidifier ratings and reviews and pick one that has a proven track record. There are many great dehumidifiers on the market that have proven themselves to be extremely durable, lasting for long periods of time. We have surveyed these dehumidifier reviews to bring you a concise buyer’s guide that will outline the best dehumidifiers according to size, type, and functionality.

What Size Dehumidifier Do I Need?

Dehumidifiers come in various pint sizes – pint capacity refers to how many pints of humidity per 24 hour period a dehumidifier can remove. For smaller areas, such as bedrooms smaller pint sizes are adequate, while bigger areas, such as basements require bigger pint sizes. With that said, if you have a small area that’s very damp a bigger pint size dehumidifier would be better.

Here are some general guidelines as to which size dehumidifier you will need according to room type and square footage:

There are just estimates to help guide you in choosing the best dehumidifier to suit your specific situation. The easiest way to find out what pint size you need would be to measure the humidity levels in your area. You can do this by using a hygrometer, which will accurately tell you how much moisture you have. The more moisture you have the higher pint size you will need. You will also have to take into consideration how powerful the units are; for example some 70 pint dehumidifiers can only cover a 1000 square feet area while others can cover 3000+ square feet.

Generally, the bigger size pint dehumidifier you have, the better.

2012 Dehumidifier Rankings (For Your Reference)

Best Overall Dehumidifier - Sunpentown SD-65E

The SD-65E has proven itself to be extremely durable and won’t break down. Considering how effective this unit is at controlling humidity you would be inclined to think that it uses a lot of electricity; however this dehumidifier has shown to be very cost efficient. The dehumidifier ratings we surveyed gave it an average 4.5+/5 star rating and have shown that this is simply the best dehumidifier currently available on the market at a reasonable price point. With its superior quality and reasonable price, the Sunpentown SD-65E is a clear winner.

Best Dehumidifier By Size

There are various pint size dehumidifiers available; some are very effective at higher capacities while others don’t do much regardless of capacity. The following are fantastic units that we have found to have the best dehumidifier ratings for their pint size:

Best 70 Pint Dehumidifier

The best 70 pint dehumidifier was an easy choice - the Winix WDH871 70 Pint Dehumidifier. This 70 pint dehumidifier is a powerful unit that will be sure to solve your humidity levels anywhere you put it. With its low temperature settings, you can put it in cold places like basements. The dehumidifier is easy to use, quiet and can effectively control humidity in even the dampest areas.

Best 50 Pint Dehumidifier

There are many quality 50 pint dehumidifiers currently available but the DeLonghi DD50P 50 Pint Energy Star Dehumidifier came out on top. This dehumidifier has easy to use controls and comes in a unique stylish design. While aesthetically pleasing it is also a very powerful dehumidifier and can successfully control humidity in large size areas. With all of its superior features, it’s easy to see why the dehumidifier reviews were so good for this unit.

Best 30 Pint Dehumidifier

Many 30 pint dehumidifiers end up being a disappointment. With the Danby DDR30E Premiere 30 Pint Dehumidifier this is certainly not the case. This compact unit is perfect for smaller areas and will be sure to easily control humidity levels. With its castors and compact design, the Danby DDR30E can be easily moved around to where it’s most needed.

Types Of Dehumidifiers

Humidity is a widespread problem that can be found almost anywhere. Thankfully, there are many different types of dehumidifiers available to solve any humidity problem, no matter where it is.

Below are the best dehumidifiers available according to type:

Best Basement Dehumidifier

Basements tend to be one of the most common places in a house that require a dehumidifier to dehumidify damp air; basements are also colder - some units may break down in these temperatures. A good basement dehumidifier can work in low temperatures and effectively control the humidity in a large size area. The GE ADER65LN 65 Pint Capacity Dehumidifier is a superior unit with raving dehumidifier reviews that can solve any basement humidity problems.

Best Whole House Dehumidifier

Dehumidifying and successfully controlling humidity in a whole house is a task made for one heavy duty machine. The Santa Fe Classic Basement and Whole House Dehumidifier definitely fits that bill. This dehumidifier is a power house that has the best energy efficient dehumidifier ratings available.

Best Portable Dehumidifier

If you want to dehumidify specific locations or move around the unit a portable dehumidifier sure comes in handy. The Frigidaire FAD704DUD 70 Pint Dehumidifier is a powerful, reliable and durable dehumidifier that comes with great features such as castors to easily move it around. It’s our best rated portable dehumidifier.

Best Commercial Dehumidifier

Removing humidity in a commercial or industrial building takes a very powerful, high capacity unit. The Low-Temp Commercial Grade Rugged Dehumidifier has shown to be the best for the job. It can effectively control humidity to the level you need while operating at low temperatures.

Best Dehumidifier By Functionality

Dehumidifiers are all made differently; some have superior functionality that really sets them apart from other models. Some are engineered differently, such as refrigerator coil dehumidifiers and desiccant dehumidifiers while others have added benefits such as being able to work in low temperatures.

Here are a few examples of the best dehumidifiers available according to added functionality:

Best Energy Efficient Dehumidifier

The Sunpentown SD-65E has it all. This dehumidifier is a heavy duty unit that will be sure to dehumidify any humidity level, anywhere you put it. This model has received rave dehumidifier reviews and has proven itself to be a clear choice when it comes to selecting the best energy efficient dehumidifier.

Best Quiet Dehumidifier

There’s nothing more annoying when eating dinner or trying to enjoy quality time with your family than a dehumidifier that sounds like a jet engine. The Frigidaire FAD704DUD has the best dehumidifier ratings for being an amazingly quiet unit.

Best Low Temperature Dehumidifier

When you’re placing your dehumidifier in cold places like a basement you’ll need a low temperature dehumidifier. The LG LHD45EL 45 Pint Dehumidifier has proven itself to be the best option. Not only can it work in low temperatures, but this great dehumidifier can successfully control humidity in very damp areas as well, removing up to 45 pints of water per day.

Best Desiccant Dehumidifier

The Eva-Dry Renewable EDV-300/E-333 Wireless Mini Dehumidifier has proven itself to be the best desiccant dehumidifier available. The unit is a renewable dehumidifier meaning you will never need to plug it in or use batteries for it to operate. This dehumidifier is a powerful tool that is ideal for closet solutions.